EXCLUSIVE: Jaren Hamilton Discusses Alabama, Hines Ward, More

TEMPE -- The Arizona State Sun Devils are heading into a consequential 2025 season looking to follow up on what was a historic season in Tempe.

The expectations are as high as they have been in at least a decade - that is, from the outside world, as Kenny Dillingham's team is ranked 11th in the nation heading into the August 30 season opener against Northern Arizona.

One of the players that has the potential to raise the Sun Devils' ceiling to new heights - even beyond being Big 12 champions - is redshirt freshman transfer Jaren Hamilton.

The former four-star recruit spent two seasons at Alabama before opting to join the Arizona State program in December - he has consistently been a force to be reckoned with during fall camp and absolutely has the potential to be the breakout star on the entire roster in 2025.

Arizona State on SI secured an exclusive talk with the future star after the Sun Devils wrapped up practice on Monday.

ASU on SI's exclusive interview with the budding star receiver is below.

Q: Jaren, obviously, you come from Alabama. You come from a program with a lot of pedigree. What did your two years there teach you about just the approach to the college game, the speed, and everything in that sphere?

Hamilton: "It just taught me to rely on yourself and just trusting yourself that you can do what you know, what you showed up to. It taught me really just to stay strong, even want this hard, like coming from Bama, you know, I faced a lot of adversity over there, you know, going through the practices. And, of course, like you said, it's a place with a high pedigree, and just just staying humble and stay hungry. "

"You know, there's a lot of guys over there that, you know, I seen them come through, you know, they end up going to the league first Rounders, and then, you know, there was real successful in their career. So just coming from there, I learned just to, you know, bet on yourself and just come in and work every day."

Q: How much have you learned from Coach ward in your short time here?

Hamilton: I learned a lot, like I said, you know, just staying hungry, just showing up, being a man every day, being about your word, you know, just coming into a building like with a mindset that you know you got to get better every day, no matter where you're at on the depth chart, no matter what accolades you have, you still have to get better every day, because at the end of the day, you know, it's going to come a time where you need to lean on some of those, some of those skills, some of those habits that you created over time.

Q: I talked to Jordyn (Tyson) last week. I kind of asked him about the brotherhood that the wide receiver room has, and he was very complimentary of the group. How much have you bonded with these guys? How much have you learned from them?

Hamilton: "I feel like, you know, coming in, you know, it was a lot of different personalities, but I feel like over time, you know, through spring ball, through the summer, we definitely got closer. We bonded outside, just playing on the field, like we went bowling together. We done hung out. We done been, you know, in the woods together at camp T. So it's been a lot of bonding, a lot of experience with these guys. And, you know, I feel like we're gonna show out this year."

Q: How do you feel about your connection with Sam (Leavitt)? Do you think that there's something special brewing between you two?

Hamilton: "Oh, for sure. It's only a matter of time, you know, till we get on the field and be able to showcase it. But we've been working since I got here. I trust and believe in him and his abilities and his vision up and down the field to, you know, make throws and just be that leader and commander, just bringing the best out of us every day."

Q: Do you have any personal goals for yourself - specifics - like numbers, Big 12 titles, anything in-line with that for you?

Hamilton: "I personally don't ever like, ever in my life put numbers on things, besides when I was in track, you know. But when it come to football, no, I don't. I don't have any certain number. I just want a ball out be here for my team. And, you know, win that Big 12 championship. And, then possibly go win a natty."

Turbo in Tontozona 🔥

Jaren Hamilton showing off the footwork in Camp T. @DevilsDigest | @laturboo2 pic.twitter.com/oLuPXBhObF
— Justin LaCertosa (@LaCertosaSports) August 6, 2025

Hamilton is the ultimate professional - taking a day-by-day approach with the right combination of humility and confidence, all while putting team success first. The wideout is clearly on the cusp of potentially becoming the headliner in the room as soon as next season, as Tyson is presumed to be off to the NFL after the season - and it would be fully deserved.

Hamilton has displayed an incredible all-around game that bucked the expectations of those that simply expected an over-the-top threat - the footwork is borderline incredible, the route running is sharp, and Hamilton's hands have generally been the most consistent on the team thus far.

Read ASU on SI's exclusive interview with Tyson here, and on where Leavitt lands on the NIL merchandise sales leaderboard here.

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